Fact 5: Dietary Adjustments – A Potential Solution
It’s a paradoxical thought. The very sustenance that keeps us alive might be causing distress to some. For many with EoE, certain foods trigger flare-ups. The relationship between EoE and food allergens has been a focal point of research, leading to fascinating discoveries.
Over time, certain foods have been identified as more likely to trigger EoE symptoms. These include milk, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, and seafood. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides a starting point for dietary interventions.
One of the primary treatment strategies involves the elimination diet. It’s a systematic process where potential triggering foods are removed from the diet and gradually reintroduced. The goal? To pinpoint exact culprits. While it requires patience and diligence, its success rate in alleviating EoE symptoms has been promising.
While elimination diets are potent tools, they aren’t the sole strategy. Allergy testing, especially for food allergens, can offer invaluable insights. Identifying and subsequently avoiding triggers can provide significant relief to EoE patients.
Embarking on dietary adjustments, especially profound ones, can be daunting. However, with the support of allergists, gastroenterologists, and nutritionists, this journey becomes more manageable. It’s about striking a balance—ensuring nutritional needs are met while sidestepping potential EoE triggers. (5)
